Singapore Racing: Nunes Fit & Hungry As Ever With Six Wins

Singapore champion jockey Manoel Nunes has overcome a long time on the sidelines and fitness worries to bring up an outstanding haul of six winners over the weekend at Kranji.

The Brazilian was ousted for one month after returning to scales around a pound lighter after he won a race aboard Falcon in February. He himself thought he would gingerly sneak his way back first-up, given he was concerned he would still be a bit rough around the edges, but obviously, he had sold himself short.

Banging in three winners (Squire Osbaldeston, Famous Artist and Kam’s Comet) at his first day back on Friday night, Nunes enjoyed another prolific day on Sunday by doubling his score with another winning hat-trick – Benji’s Rule, Prince Mag and Keen Dragon.

Half of the six wins (Kam’s Comet, Prince Mag and Keen Dragon) came for a trainer he has really forged a successful partnership with this season, Mark Walker, and it is no coincidence both currently sit at the top of the tree in their respective premierships. Walker now sits on 48 wins, 10 clear of Michael Freedman while Nunes has more than compensated for the “loss of opportunities” that beset him during his protracted absence.

A tearaway leader before his suspension, Nunes saw his lead cut back by 10 wins by jockey Michael Rodd while he was away, but the six wins have gone a long way in nullifying that relative slide and restore the breathing space he had before the weighing-in ban. His score now reads 74 winners, 29 clear of Rodd.

“It’s great. To be honest, I was worried about my fitness as I was away for a month,” he said after Keen Dragon scored in the penultimate event.

“But I feel as good as ever. In hindsight, that enforced holiday has probably helped me freshen up.

“I was also concerned about my lips (hurt himself during a barrier trial with Miss Elysium), which were badly swollen before I was suspended. It is still stitched up and one of the stitches actually came off.

“I couldn’t be happier with my comeback. I thought I had a good book of rides over both Friday and Sunday, but I thought I could at best ride two or three winners.

“Six winners is great. They have caught up with me, but six wins will help give back my big lead.”

While the news of Nunes taking the Kranji scene by storm again may not be so rejoicing for his fellow riders, trainers like Walker were glad to see the champ back with a bang.

“I like working with Manoel. He’s a great guy and a great rider,” said Walker.

“We’ve had a great association and I hope it keeps going that way.”

Of Keen Dragon, who was first-up from a four-month spell and was scoring his second win from six runs, Walker had nothing but kind words, but added size was a matter for concern.

“He’s only a small thing, but he tries so hard all the time,” said the Kiwi mentor.

“Manoel rode him very well today. I hope he can go through his grades, but the weights will rise as he goes up, and we may then have to get an apprentice for some claim.”

– Singapore Turf Club

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